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Sunday, September 30, 2012

Thank you all so very much for sewing along this month in support of our deployed service men and women. It has been an honor and inspiration to be a part of this project and I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised if our final counts end up doubling our original goal of sending 100 handmade gifts to our troops as our album has 183 items in it! That is wonderful! Melissa and I share our gratitude for each and every item sewn!

Now for the lucky prize winners randomly selected from all of the entries in our album...

Congratulations and Enjoy!!! I know you will! :)
Thank you to all the amazing sponsors that provided these incredible gifts!
And once again, thank you all for sewing along!
NEW PROJECT POSTS TOMORROW!!!

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Wow....can hardly believe the post title I just typed. It's ALREADY the END of September????

Well, with that comes the end of our monthly project. If you are sewing for Remember September, and wish for your donations to qualify as entries in our PRIZE GIVEAWAYS tomorrow, please be sure to have your photos in our Remember September Flickr album by 9 AM (EST) tomorrow morning, Sunday Sept. 30th. I will draw, announce and email the winners some time after that.

Friday, September 28, 2012

The more I sew with PDF patterns the more I find certain things make my process easier and more enjoyable, so today I thought I'd share a few of those things that have become "sewing essentials" for me.

First up is a paper trimmer. I happened to have this one already from scrapbooking, but it has quickly become my sewing room tool as it makes trimming my printed pattern pages quicker and more precise. This has really sped up the time it takes to assemble the pattern pieces, which I appreciate very much since I'd of course rather be sewing! :) You can find paper trimmers of all different sizes at most any craft or hobby store.

Secondly, GOOD tape. I've been accused of being a "tape snob", but after years of helping make gift baskets for our family's florist, I can undoubtedly proclaim that all tape is NOT the same! :) My personal favorite is the Red Scotch. It holds very well, even when I print my pattern pieces on cardstock, and it is perfectly smooth and clear. Using good tape means that I don't have to reprint the pattern pieces again if I want to store and reuse my pattern later since it helps the pieces to stay together as they were originally put. Other tapes will loose their "sticky" and even roll up around the edges causing the pattern pieces to shift. (if my husband is reading this, he is TOTALLY rolling his eyes at me right now! lol!!!) Maybe a small thing, but this is certainly a preference for me.

Lastly, with so many great PDF patterns available it can be very easy to accumulate quite a collection. I had to find a way to keep everything neatly organized so that I could find what I was looking for and not accidentally purchase the same pattern again....not that I've ever nearly done that or anything! ;)

When I first started using PDF patterns, I would print and bind the complete pattern instructions in clear presentation folders. I would also print the pattern pieces which were kept in an envelope within the folder. Additionally, I would burn the pattern to CD and store it with the pattern. As my PDF pattern collection has grown, this has been impossible to maintain due to storage and cost. So....a new plan!

Now, I have a Pattern folder stored on my computer. Within the folder I have additional files for specific pattern designers that I own a large number of patterns from and then category files for the others. Now, when I'm ready to sew, I print only the pattern pieces and pull the pattern instructions up on my computer to follow along. I have a designated basket that holds all of my printed and labeled pattern pieces should I want to sew the pattern again.

I also back up my pattern downloads to this PINK memory stick. It's PINK so it doesn't end up in hub's collection! ;) Everyone knows this is MAMA'S!

And then I have this little book...

This little book offers me a tangible list that is easy to flip through whether I am shopping for a new pattern or looking for sewing inspiration. Being a hands-on person, this little book is a necessity to me and helps me to easily see what I have available at a glance.

Thanks to the clever suggestion of a reader, I also now have a board on Pinterest specific to my pattern stash called "Pattern Collecting". It's so nice to be able to look in one place, and see all the patterns I have available to sew!

So there you have it...a few of my PDF Sewing Essentials.

For other items that I consider essential or especially helpful in my sewing room, just search "sewing essentials" in the tab in the sidebar.

The fabric is Apple by Timeless Treasures. I've been holding onto this fabric for far too long now and am trying to get it sewn up into new Fall items for my girlies. I absolutely love how this skirt turned out in these fun prints! Being that there were so many different prints from the collection that we wanted to use, I was concerned about finding a pattern that could attractively handle all the activity, and I think this pattern does so very well.

I used the coordinating green swirl for the waistband and the backs of each of my squares for the hem.

This skirt offers such a fun and unique design that my daughter instantly loved! It's different from any other skirt she has. The pattern was very easy to follow and surprisingly quick to sew. A project I think any level of seamstress would enjoy. With girls in our home from ages 2-13, I especially appreciate the size range of 2T - 12 years. My daughter wears a store bought 11/12, so I made her the size 12 and it fits great.

The pattern comes in PDF format and the pattern pieces require only 5 pages to print. The instructions are very well written with illustrations and photographs to assist you in creating a one-of-a-kind skirt you'll be proud to say you made!

It delights me to see the shorts where they were needed and made to be!

The shorts were part of a greater outreach as you can see in some of the pictures. Little girls were provided dresses while the little boys got our shorts and many even received new shoes too! You can learn more about the service and outreach efforts of Feeding the Orphans on their website here, and follow along on facebook here.

The shorts going to Cambodia are packaged and ready. My friend was actually in Cambodia while we were sewing and will be traveling again end of Oct./early Nov. so I will of course keep you posted on when those safely arrive to their destination.
Thank you again for sewing along and being a part of Hopeful Threads! May these photos provide encouragement and proof that Every Stitch Matters!!!

Monday, September 24, 2012

The warm and creative Jan behind Daisy Janie sent fabric in support of this month's project, including a lovely GEO GRAND Charm Pack for us to give away to one of you!

Like all Daisy Janie collections, the Geo Grand is a gorgeous blend of unique colors and designs printed on 100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton Fabric.
If you'd like to add this beautiful stack to your collection, simply follow the prompts below to enter.

Friday, September 21, 2012

I'm honored to get to share another inspiring outreach to service men & women, Sew Much Comfort.

From their website...

"Our Mission: To provide custom-made adaptive clothing, free of charge, to all wounded service members from current conflicts and from all branches of the military and National Guard. We wish to aide in their recovery, provide a tangible reminder of our gratitude for their sacrifice and give them an added measure of comfort, dignity and freedom as they recover from their injuries and return to everyday life."

The smiling faces of those sewing for this outreach in the images on their site confirm the heart behind it all beautifully! Take a moment to visit their website and learn more!

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fabric Outlet has been a sponsor at Hopeful Threads for several months now and today she has a surprise for you!!!

Kim, the owner, offers a fully functioning, brick & mortar quilt shop in Yucca Valley, CA. And for you on-line shoppers, a NEW website is in the works, but for now, you can order through her facebook page where she has loads of weekly specials and sales, including her infamous "$5 Fridays" where she offers quality, name brand fabrics for ONLY $5 a yard!

I'm tellin' ya....you don't want to miss it!

To order, you simply make a comment with the yardage amount under the picture of the fabric you are interested in purchasing, and then send Kim a message with your order details and paypal email for invoicing. Easy as that! And she always includes little treats and bonuses in your bundle like buttons, ribbon or even extra fabric! Such fun!!!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

"American Hero Quilts were born out of the love and compassion of one determined Washington State woman. Her dream is that each of our injured troops...receive a "hug" of appreciation. These "hugs" are exceptional patriotic, heirloom quality quilts."

As you scroll the the pages and images on the site it is clear this group is determined about their goal! The Gallery is packed with the most beautiful images of carefully and lovingly crafted quilts.

Read through some of the testimonials and comments and you will instantly see clearly the amazing impact this outreach is having on individuals and their families....on both ends of the quilts....giving and receiving!

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"Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others." ~ Booker T. Washington

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Hopeful Threads - Creativity Shared!

Hopeful Threads

A place to share your creativity in a way that helps another.

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Hopeful Threads exists to provide ideas and encouragement for others to #SewToShare. Currently, I am suggesting that each person simply look within their own communities and connections for opportunities to give back this way. Occasionally, we will also work on a specific project together that is open to all interested and available to participate. Simply like minded people sewing and sharing the experience and outreach together. "Sew" happy you are here!

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"Life's most consistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?" ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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If something on this blog inspires you to create, great! That's the idea! Home sewers, feel free to use my tutorials to create as you choose, I simply ask that in addition to making things for yourself, you also find a way to give back with your creative talents. Please don't copy the tutorial itself. Content and photographs are the property of Kristy Smith.

As for my pictures, you are welcome to use project pictures when pinning or linking back to my posts. Pics of my family are just mine though, so please don't reuse them in any way. Thanks!

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"When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another." ~ Helen Keller